Trip to St. George

We started our drive at 4am. I was actually proud of us getting on the road on time! We hit the road and at 6am we were starving and stopped one last time at Whataburger (a texas thing) for some breakfast. I can't believe how much we have spent in a car together since our marriage... It's about 100+ hours between our trips home to Texas and Eric's family moving to St. George. And did I mention we've done every drive straight through? So this trip was a breeze! We're pros. And who else better to drive hours with than a best friend? So easy and so fun. 

Eric drove 6 hours.
I drove 4 hours.
Eric drove 3 hours.
I drove 4 hours.
Eric drove 2 hours.
A complete 19 hour trip!
And we were in St. George.

This was a very relaxing trip for us. It seems like we did a lot, but it also feels like we hardly did anything we were so relaxed. That's how a vacation should feel! We stayed at my in-laws who we are so grateful for and enjoyed the pool and exploring.  We concluded St. George is awesome.  So many hikes to discover. We also enjoyed an evening at Tuacahn. We saw 'Sister Act' and oh was it hilarious! I was so impressed by how good the show was! Here are some pictures of Zion's National Park and adventures. 

I'm lucky Eric likes these adventurous things and that he makes me try it with him.. because I end up LOVING it. We took these Ace's and a Razor out on some sand dunes. I never flipped! I came around a curve one time to Eric's Ace flipped over HAHA

I've been in caves before but nothing like these! These Lava Tubes are at Snow Canyon State Park. They were a little challenging with some drops and narrow places that left me feeling a little shaky, but that feeling passed and the feeling of exploring set it and they were really fun! 

The way out! ^

I now drive by golf courses and exclaim "that looks like a fun golf course!!" HA. Guys, golf isn't boring... It doesn't have to be like what it is on tv and maybe I'm just weird, but I had a ton of fun! Probably because I only drove the golf cart around... Anyways, we had to see if we are cut out for golf! First clue if we were or not..  I had no idea there is a 'dress code'! I enjoyed watching Eric play and cheering him on! He wasn't too bad.. He could of been a lot worse haha. BUT THE VIEWS! This golf course is beautiful. The contrast of green with the red rock and mountains was very pretty. It was a beautiful day. Our new date idea is to go to a driving range! 

I loved the St. George temple. It is one of the oldest operating temples and beautiful inside and outside.. I feel so much happiness when I am inside any temple, especially with my eternal companion by my side. 

ZIONS NATIONAL PARK. We got here a little late in the day but I'm so glad we decided to go. Just the shuttle drive through the park is beautiful. We hiked The Narrows and they didn't disappoint. We spent about 6 hours there, but really you can spend days. 

Randoms of Summer

I feel like anytime I lose interest in my little blog or I haven't posted in months I owe an explanation. So then I have no idea where to start! I figured this type of post would help me gather my thoughts best for an update. Sorry if it still seems all over the place! 

Loving: This summer. It's been so good to us. We've been living the life in Texas and having a great time. Things haven't gone absolutely perfect, but I am so happy we chose to live in Texas for the summer. In a way it has felt like a laid back summer... Even though we worked/studied/took test a lot. Haha I guess that's when you know it's been a good summer-when you worked a lot but know it's still been fantastic! 

Home; Dallas, TX

Looking forward to: I remember writing a post a while back about feeling "stuck" living in Rexburg, so far away from family and wanting a change. But now, Eric and I have been talking about how much we are missing our home there and are looking forward to returning! So I guess this summer move has been really great for us! :) And also... that Idaho weather will be so much better.

Working: I spent about 3 hours working on my resume and I still don't feel like it's good enough :/ Does that sound silly? I am applying for a new nursing job in Rexburg that will be long term for me. Fingers crossed! 

Laughing at: My first experience being stung by a wasp. Last weekend we were by the pool and I was stung... if you don't bother them they won't bother you, right?! No, I stepped on it and experienced (what I thought) was the worse, intensifying pain for about 3 minutes. 

Eric is trying to calm me and saying "Let me take a look at it so I can put some ice on it" 

But I would not let him look and kept saying "It's going to be bad!!" (because hello, it hurt)

When I finally let him put ice on it I asked "How bad is it??" 

He said nonchalantly "Oh it's just a tiny red dot." 

WHAT I thought my toe was falling off. He started laughing at my reaction.. I was mad that he was laughing when I was in pain.. then we were both dying laughing. I was perfectly fine 10 minutes later (thank goodness I'm not allergic). 

Planning: Something on our to-do list at the beginning of the summer was take a few camping trips. We received all of our gear as a Christmas present this past year... But who goes camping in the middle of summer in Texas? No one sane. We have an AWESOME camping trip planned when we return to Idaho! We have a week before the semester starts to cram in Idaho hiking and camping. 

Excited: Before we return to Idaho we are stopping in St. George for a WEEK. We are so excited to explore there, do some fun hikes and spend time with Eric's family! 

Appreciating: Beautiful mornings. I admit, since marriage I turned into NOT a morning person... But I started working at a summer camp and I left each morning a little after 6 am and it was like the quietness and sunrise made up for it. 

A little sad at: We finished watching The Office. Honestly, for years I was never a fan. I tried watching it once or twice and couldn't get into it. Then something changed. I pushed through the first 2-3 episodes in season 2 and I fell in love with it! We love The Office family and the last episode I cried. We are those annoying people who quotes The Office and makes jokes now.

Making: A Fall bucket list, because if you say fall isn't your favorite season you know you're slightly kidding yourself. I love all the things Idaho has to offer in the Fall time.

Experiencing: The excitement for structure. I'm excited for our new routine to start. I can feel myself becoming more organized as the summer ends. I have already made a packing list for next week and a list of things to get done when we return to Idaho before the school year starts... Eric thinks I'm weird. 

Grateful for: My husband sticking by my side this summer! He is the best and I could elaborate much more in another post.. or maybe 5 other ones. I love him!

Realization: Well, I've realized a few things from writing this. We have loved this summer and Texas. But we can't wait to go back to Rexburg. I am ready for routine and structure. But I am going to miss how flexible the summer has been and the adventures we went on. Mixed feelings! haha